Auburnites generally are pleased with the quality of life and customer service, according to a recent survey.
The City of Auburn contracted with Elway Research, Inc. to conduct and measure residents’ opinions and behaviors to determine their satisfaction with City services and the overall quality of life in Auburn. The baseline survey was conducted in 2005 and the current survey reflects follow up from the 2006-08 results.
According to the latest survey, 95 percent rated the quality of life in the city as high or moderate, with the “high” rating up slightly from previous years, three times as many this year said they had no problems or concerns living in Auburn (22 percent compared to 8 percent last year.) All aspects of quality of life that were asked about directly were rated higher this year than last with the exception of jobs and economic opportunities.
“To have these kinds of positive results in these times is huge,” said Mayor Pete Lewis. “We are in a down time nationwide, yet we recorded improvements in nearly every category. That is amazing. This is a reflection of the hard work of our employees and elected officials each and every day.”
Highest grades were earned by police services, community events, and parks and recreation services and programs. High marks also were noted in customer service where 66 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with responses when contacting the city.
Respondents indicated that improvements are most needed in the permit center, street repair and conditions and sidewalk conditions. Auburn rates in the middle ranges compared to other cities of measures for tax dollars spent, according to Elway.
Elway Research, Inc. conducted the telephone interviews to a total of 500 heads of household from June 8-14. Residents were selected from listed households and were randomly selected using a database of residents with listed telephone numbers. All households selected had the criteria of the respondent being a current resident of Auburn and being a head of the household.
The complete survey can be downloaded from the City’s Web site at: www.auburnwa.gov/Assets/Administration/AuburnWA/Docs/09_CitizenSurvey.pdf
For more information about the City of Auburn, visit www.auburnwa.gov.
